A Dream Trip

Wouldn't you just love to see how all of those beads that use in your projects are made?  Or pay a visit to the Preciosa glass factory, and see more crystals than you've ever seen in one place in your life?

I would love to, and now there is a couple in the Czech Republic who are starting a company which will allow tourists to do just that!  Their names are Simi and Keith Dudman, their company is called Bananas 4 Beading, and their website is here. You can choose anywhere from a one- to a five-day tour, and since the company is so small, it sounds like they will allow you to customize your tour as much as is reasonably possible.  Their website contains descriptions of their standard tours and pricing, which includes your hotel stay and appears to be within reach of the average traveller.

I can't really "endorse" the company as I have never met them or taken one of their tours, but it sounds like a very interesting way to spend a few days if you are going to be in that area of the world anyway, so why not try them out?  I for sure would give them a chance to show me around!

Here is a picture of the couple from their website.  They look friendly to me. And they even give you their phone number so you can call and ask questions before you commit to anything.

Cat

Chainmaille Triangle

I made my first project from David Scott Plumlee's book, Chain and Bead Jewelry Geometric Connections.  His instructions are very easy to follow, he goes step by step with lots of illustrations.

I wanted to make something quick so I chose the beaded tripoli.  It was pretty easy, especially with his hints telling you how to keep track of which rings are which.  I think I'm really going to enjoy this book.

Cat

A New Baby!

My daughter had her baby today!  It feels like we've been waiting to meet her forever, but Stella Grayce finally made her appearance today.  She is beautiful!!  She weighs 8lbs, 10ozs and she is 20 inches long.  She has a full head of dark black hair.  Here are a couple of pictures.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Isn't she just the cutest thing you ever saw?

Cat

National Doughnut Day

Today is National Doughnut Day here in the USA.  I never even knew that there was such a thing as National Doughnut Day, let alone that there is a 75 year history behind it.  You can read about the history here. 

I had the remains of a variety box of Entenmann's doughnuts in my kitchen, so I ate a chocolate-covered doughnut in celebration of the holiday.  Then I ate a cake doughnut, since it was such a special day.  ;)

Then there was only one doughnut left in the box.  A glazed doughnut.  And it looked so lonely.  So, of course I had to eat it.

I mean, it's only proper that I should celebrate such a special day as National Doughnut Day by eating more than my share of doughnuts, right? (sorry no pics, I was too busy eating, heehee)

Cat